The Application of Polymers as Water and Soil Conservation Agents in Farming Areas Mulching

Abstract

The act of mulching is almost as old as man himself. Man has been practicing mulching for quite a very long time now. Mulch is used to conserve and preserve moisture and reduce the growth of weeds. Many materials can be used as mulch. These can be broadly divided into organic and inorganic, synthetic (man-made / artificial) and natural. Such mulch materials include, grass, stones, glass, weeds, plastics etc. polyethylene (PE) is one of the most effective, due to its excellent strength, low cost and its ability to act as a boundary between sunlight and water. Biodegradability issues however, constitute serious challenges in the use of petroleum – based materials. Hence, biodegradable polymers are being developed from fossil fuels. This paper will focus on the uses, challenges and prospects of mulch materials derived from polymers.